(Newser)
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Maybe George Washington couldn’t tell a lie, but today’s candidates sure can. Among the latest “facts” in campaign advertising: Bain Capital’s merger of a steel mill ensured that a woman would die of cancer, and President Obama plans to gut work requirements from welfare. Despite the rise of fact-checking groups—which dismissed both claims—political ads continue to spew inaccuracies and influence voters, reports the Los Angeles Times.

"We're in a new phase: Fact-checking alone is not enough," says a journalism professor. "The campaigns seem able to override it." Some lies are deliberate, of course, and successfully attract media attention. "Absolutely," says Paul Begala, a Democratic consultant. "We're provocateurs." Not all lies are created equal, though: Romney's comments have been ranked Mostly False, False, or Pants on Fire by Politifact 46% of the time, versus 29% for President Obama, reports Mediaite. (Read more fact checking stories.)

Wait'll these two rich kids start holding hands and skipping down the runway. You're gonna hear some whoppers. And when nitwit Ann chimes in, well, let's just say that poor Seamus will be spinning in his crate.

matteo

Aug 12, 2012 9:39 AM CDT

id say intelligence ....ignorant population, ignorant rulers !

Observer

Aug 12, 2012 9:21 AM CDT

Romney is a liar. Clearly. He also will not tell the truth about his business history, his healthcare plan in MA, his stand of abortion, his paid income taxes, his religious beliefs or the legacy of his polygamous grandfather that fled to Mexico to marry several of his 12 year old cousins. Obama wins big.